TULSA — Marion Reservoir, Kan., prevented almost $6.8 million in flood damages in 2010 and more than $345.9 million in flood damages since it was placed in full operation in February 1968.

The Corps calculates the flood damage prevented by comparing flood damages that would have occurred if the lake was not in existence and the damage from flooding since the lake was constructed. The difference is the flood damages prevented. The dam allows the Corps to control the amount of water that is released from the reservoir depending on the downstream water level. Without the dam and reservoir, additional significant flooding in the area could be possible during rain events.

“Marion Reservoir in conjunction with the Marion Levee continues to serve its purpose of providing flood risk management to the surrounding communities,” said Eugene Goff, Kansas area manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. “Since it was built, it has prevented millions of dollars in flood damage, and the Corps of Engineers is dedicated to ensuring that it continues to fulfill its purpose of providing flood risk management to the region.”

The reservoir, located on the Cottonwood River, a tributary of the Grand River, about three miles northwest of Marion in Marion County, was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1950 for flood control, water supply, water quality control, and recreation purposes. Construction began in 1964 and was completed in 1967. The structure consists of a 8,375-foot earth-filled embankment, a 136-foot gate-controlled concrete spillway and two 142-foot concrete non-overflow sections. The dam rises to a maximum of height of 67 feet above the streambed.